Designing the foundation for a gravity retaining wall involves considerations for stability, bearing capacity, and soil-structure interaction. Below is a detailed checklist with explanations and examples for the design of a gravity retaining wall foundation:
1. Site Investigation:
- Explanation: Conduct a thorough site investigation to understand soil conditions.
- Example: Perform soil tests (SPT, CPT) to determine soil properties, bearing capacity, and potential sliding or settlement.
2. Load Analysis:
- Explanation: Analyze and calculate loads acting on the retaining wall.
- Example: Consider the weight of the wall, backfill soil pressure, surcharge loads, water pressure, and seismic loads to determine the total lateral load.
3. Bearing Capacity:
- Explanation: Ensure that the soil bearing capacity is sufficient for the applied loads.
- Example: If the total lateral load is 100 kN/m and the soil bearing capacity is 150 kN/m², the foundation is considered suitable.
4. Sliding Stability:
- Explanation: Check and ensure the foundation resists sliding.
- Example: Calculate the sliding force and compare it to the resisting force provided by the foundation. Use appropriate safety factors.
5. Overturning Stability:
- Explanation: Verify the foundation’s resistance to overturning.
- Example: Assess the moments and forces acting on the wall and ensure they are counteracted by the resisting moments and forces provided by the foundation.
6. Foundation Geometry:
- Explanation: Determine the appropriate dimensions and shape of the foundation.
- Example: Design a trapezoidal or rectangular foundation with dimensions that distribute the loads evenly.
7. Reinforcement:
- Explanation: Specify reinforcement in the foundation, if required.
- Example: Include reinforcing bars in the foundation to enhance its tensile strength and improve overall stability.
8. Foundation Depth:
- Explanation: Determine the optimal foundation depth for stability.
- Example: Increase the foundation depth if weak or compressible soil layers are present near the surface.
9. Toe and Heel Details:
- Explanation: Address toe and heel details to enhance stability.
- Example: Extend the foundation in the direction of potential sliding (toe) and provide a keying-in detail to resist sliding.
10. Drainage:
- Explanation: Implement drainage measures to reduce hydrostatic pressure.
- Example: Install drainage pipes behind the wall to relieve water pressure and prevent water accumulation.
11. Backfill Compaction:
- Explanation: Specify compaction requirements for the backfill soil.
- Example: Compaction should be done in lifts with specified moisture content to achieve adequate density.
12. Surcharge Loads:
- Explanation: Consider and account for any additional surcharge loads on the wall.
- Example: If there are adjacent structures or loads, factor them into the design to ensure stability.
13. Construction Sequence:
- Explanation: Develop a construction sequence that ensures stability during and after construction.
- Example: Excavate, place and compact the foundation material, and construct the wall in a manner that minimizes disturbances to the foundation.
14. Quality Control:
- Explanation: Implement quality control measures during construction.
- Example: Monitor the compaction of backfill, check reinforcement placement, and verify the dimensions of the foundation.
15. Code Compliance:
- Explanation: Ensure compliance with local building codes and standards.
- Example: Adhere to relevant codes such as AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications or local geotechnical standards.
16. Professional Engineer Involvement:
- Explanation: Engage a qualified geotechnical and structural engineer to oversee the design.
- Example: Have licensed engineers review and approve the gravity retaining wall foundation design to ensure it meets safety and code requirements.
17. Record Keeping:
- Explanation: Maintain detailed records of the retaining wall foundation design process.
- Example: Document all design calculations, soil test results, construction activities, and as-built drawings for future reference and audits.
By following this checklist, engineers can ensure a well-designed gravity retaining wall foundation that effectively resists lateral loads, provides stability, and minimizes potential failure modes.
